Senior BJP leaders in discussion, with photos of key contenders displayed during a strategy meeting.
The Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) Uttar Pradesh unit has submitted a list of six short-listed names to the central leadership for the next state president, a top party functionary confirmed on Friday. The list comprises two Brahmins, two Other Backward Classes (OBCs), and two Dalit leaders, all of them men.
With the assembly elections lined up in early 2027, the appointment of a new state BJP president is an important decision for the party, particularly after its disappointing performance in Uttar Pradesh in the 2024 Lok Sabha election. The leadership is hoping to catch its breath and set its sights on a third straight term at the state level.
The new president will succeed Bhupendra Singh Chaudhary, a top Jat leader from western Uttar Pradesh. The BJP has already announced new chiefs in more than 25 of its 37 state organisational units and is likely to announce its next national president shortly as well.
Among the contenders in the list are former deputy chief minister Dinesh Sharma and former MP Harish Dwivedi, both belonging to the Brahmin community. Among the OBC contenders are UP minister Dharampal Singh and Union minister of state BL Verma.
The Dalit contenders are former Union minister Ram Shankar Katheria and MLC Vidya Sagar Sonkar.
"We have proposed to the central leadership appropriate names that can be used for the position of UP BJP chief, and the leadership is seriously considering them. The decision will probably be taken in the next two weeks, maybe sooner," the BJP leader stated.
Dinesh Sharma is a well-respected Brahmin face with the reputation of being honest and having an immaculate academic record. He is said to command the support of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the party's highest leadership.
Harish Dwivedi, who is another Brahmin leader, provides fresh energy and experience at the national level. He is a Member of Parliament from Basti in the past and a national secretary in the party.
Dharampal Singh and BL Verma, both belonging to the powerful Lodh community, are politically heavyweights. While Dharampal Singh is a veteran cabinet minister with over three decades of political experience, BL Verma, Union minister of state, is regarded for his disciplinary approach to organisation and close ties with the RSS.
Among the Dalit stalwarts, Ram Shankar Katheria is notable for his strident support for Hindutva and Dalit identity. He is a former Union minister and former chairman of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes.
Vidya Sagar Sonkar, an MLC now, is a low-key member in the party but is known for his loyalty and enjoys influence in eastern Uttar Pradesh.
Reacting to the developments, state BJP chief Bhupendra Chaudhary, who is resigning, said, "We have given our inputs to the high command. Now, it is the central leadership's turn to announce the name of the new state president and this will hopefully be done very soon."
